Aloe kefaensis

Overview

Aloe kefaensis is an accepted species from Ethiopia and is a succulent perennial. Its natural distribution is confined to the Kefa/Keffa region. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Key characteristics

Growth form

The plant is stemless and the leaves are arranged in a rosette. [2, 3, 4]

Leaves

The leaves are spreading and lanceolate, with sparse pale spots that may occasionally be absent. [4, 2, 3]

Leaf surface and margin

The leaf margins bear pale teeth, sometimes with a minute dark tip. [2, 3, 4]

Inflorescence and flowers

The inflorescence has few branches; the racemes are cylindrical and lax, and the perianth is scarlet and cylindrical-trigonous. [2, 3, 4]

Distribution

Natural populations are known from the Kefa/Keffa region of Ethiopia. [2, 3, 4]

Habitat

Its biome is classified as seasonally dry tropical, and it grows in wooded grassland. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Etymology

The specific epithet refers to the Kefa/Keffa region of Ethiopia. [5, 3]

Classification and nomenclature

Accepted name: Aloe kefaensis M.G.Gilbert & Sebsebe [1]
Protologue bibliography: Kew Bulletin 52: 140 (1997) [1]

Main references

World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP).
Gilbert, M.G. & Sebsebe Demissew (1997). Further Notes on the Genus Aloe in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Kew Bulletin 52(1): 139–152.
Sebsebe Demissew & Nordal, I. (2010). Aloes and Lilies of Ethiopia and Eritrea, 2nd ed. pp. 65–66.
Carter, S., Lavranos, J.J., Newton, L.E. & Walker, C.C. (2011). Aloes: The Definitive Guide. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. p. 188.
Grace, O.M., Klopper, R.R., Figueiredo, E. & Smith, G.F. (2011). The Aloe Names Book. Strelitzia 28. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. p. 82.

Updates

Classification, distribution and descriptive information are revised as new sources are verified or taxonomic treatments change.